The LINC consortium, one of five groups bidding for contracts to
upgrade parts of London’s Underground network, is close to appointing a
public affairs consultancy in the run-up to the Government allocation of
contracts next year.
It is understood that LINC has been in discussions with several major
agencies and that, while no final decision has been made, Shandwick is
tipped to win the account.
The bulk of LINC’s PR work will be done in-house but the agency will
provide strategic public affairs advice to the LINC board.
LINC comprises construction firm John Mowlem, French telecoms giant
Alcatel, Anglian Water, Bombardier Prorail and Fluor Daniel.
Neither Shandwick nor LINC would confirm an appointment, but a LINC
spokesman said talks with Shandwick and others were ongoing and a
decision would be made in the near future.
Metronet, one of the other four consortia shortlisted for the estimated
pounds 7 billion contract, handed its public affairs brief to Lexington
Communications two weeks ago (PR Week, 12 November). Transport
specialist The Waterfront Partnership was appointed by a third
consortium, TubeRail, 18 months ago.
The successful consortium will form part of a public-private partnership
with London Underground, to maintain and improve the infrastructure of
six deep-level Tube lines. The Circle, District, Metropolitan, East
London and Hammersmith and City sub-surface lines are the subject of
separate negotiations between London Underground and track and stations
owner Railtrack.
